High-speed digital multiplexer

ABSTRACT

A high-speed digital multiplexer is disclosed, The multiplexer includes a plurality of input pins for receiving a plurality of digital input signals ad switching circuitry coupled to the input pins. The switching circuitry has respective outputs coupled to a common node and is operative to enable a selected one of the plurality of input pins, The multiplexer further includes a local signal converter having a circuit branch set to a common voltage. The branch is connected to the common node to sense changes in current corresponding to an input signal received by an enabled input pin. An output pin is coupled to the local signal converter, whereby the local signal converter is operative to produce voltage changes at the output corresponding to the sensed current changes.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present invention is a divisional application of and claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/010,547 filed on Nov. 8, 2001, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to automatic test equipment and more particularly a high-speed digital multiplexer for use on a device-interface-board.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Automatic test equipment (ATE) often plays a crucial role in the fabrication of semiconductor devices. The equipment allows a manufacturer to functionally test its devices, ensuring device operability at pre-set specifications prior to entering the marketplace. Utilized as a measurement tool, the equipment typically provides electronic channels that correspond to the input and output pins of a semiconductor device. The device is typically inserted in a test socket that forms a portion of a device-interface-board (DIB). By sending signals to and retrieving signals from the device, operation in a real-world environment may be simulated by the ATE.

There are often instances where an ATE user wishes to isolate and select one channel from a group of tester channels. Calibrating the channel to a reference and validating the channel timing accuracy are but a few examples. A straightforward way to select one channel from a group of channels is to employ a multiplexer on the DIB.

Typical multiplexers include a plurality of input pins and a switching scheme for activating a selected pin. The switching circuitry terminates in a common node, which then completes a signal path to the multiplexer output pin. Input signals received on the pin are then passed through the multiplexer along the common node, and passed through to the multiplexer output. In this manner, a digital signal propagating along an activated channel is passed directly through the multiplexer, and on to the calibration or validation circuitry.

While this straightforward selection scheme works well for its intended low-frequency applications, the basic structure can be problematic for high-speed (frequency) applications. The problems are primarily caused by a relatively large capacitance on the common node, due to the numerous parallel connections to the switches associated with the input pins. Signals passed through a single channel to the node are susceptible to RC effects at the node (from charging and discharging the capacitance, etc.), often significantly affecting the quality of the rising and falling edges of the signal. This is an undesirable problem for high-accuracy ATE, where edge placement timing accuracy may be a critical parameter.

What is needed and currently unavailable is a high-speed digital multiplexer that avoids the parasitic problem described above. The high-speed digital multiplexer of the present invention satisfies this need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The high-speed digital multiplexer of the present invention provides a way of passing one of a selected number of input signals to an output with minimal degradation due to parasitic effects acting on the passed signal. This allows for a high level of timing accuracy for the selected signal.

To realize the foregoing advantages, the invention in one form comprises a high-speed digital multiplexer. The multiplexer includes a plurality of input pins for receiving a plurality of digital input signals and switching circuitry coupled to the input pins. The switching circuitry has respective outputs coupled to a common node and is operative to enable a selected one of the plurality of input pins. The multiplexer further includes a local signal converter having a circuit branch set to a common voltage. The branch is connected to the common node to sense changes in current corresponding to an input signal received by an enabled input pin. An output pin is coupled to the local signal converter, whereby the local signal converter is operative to produce voltage pulses at the output corresponding to the sensed current changes.

In another form the invention comprises a device-interface-board for calibration/validation of automatic test equipment. The device-interface-board includes at least one test socket adapted for receiving a device-under-test and a high-speed digital multiplexer for selectively passing tester signals from the automatic test equipment to the test socket. The multiplexer includes a plurality of input pins adapted for coupling to a plurality of automatic test equipment channels and switching circuitry coupled to the input pins. The switching circuitry has respective outputs coupled to a common node and is operative to enable a selected one of the plurality of input pins. The multiplexer further includes a local signal converter having a circuit branch set to a common voltage. The branch is connected to the common node to sense changes in current corresponding to an input signal received by an enabled input pin. An output pin is coupled to the local signal converter, whereby the local signal converter is operative to produce voltage changes at the output corresponding to the sensed current changes.

In a further form the invention comprises a method of selecting one from a plurality of high-speed digital input signals applied to a plurality of input pins. The input pins are coupled through switching circuitry to a common node. The method comprises the steps of applying a constant voltage to the common node; activating the pin corresponding to the selected input signal; detecting current changes at the common node caused by the selected input signal; and producing output voltage changes corresponding to the detected current changes.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood by reference to the following more detailed description and accompanying drawings in which

FIG. 1 is a partial block diagram of a semiconductor test system employing one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a high-speed multiplexer according to one form of the present invention;

FIG, 3 is a comparative graph illustrating a signal edge rise-time from the output of the present invention versus the signal edge rise-time from a signal passed through a conventional multiplexer; and

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a high-speed multiplexer according to a second form of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to FIG. 1, a semiconductor tester 10 is shown coupled to a handling apparatus 12 that includes a device interface board (DIB) 14. The tester includes a testhead (not shown) that houses a plurality of pin electronics channel cards 18 for generating tester waveforms along a plurality of channels 20. The channels direct the waveforms to the input pins of one or more DUTs (not shown), and receive output waveforms from the DUT(s). The DIB includes one or more sockets 22 for electrically coupling the DUT pins to the tester channels, thereby providing a convenient tester-to-DUT signal interface.

With reference to FIG. 2, selecting one channel 20 from a group of channels is accomplished through use of a high-speed digital multiplexer, generally designated 30. The multiplexer includes a plurality of input pins 32 for receiving input signals from the channels, and switching circuitry 40 for activating one of the channels. A local signal converter in the form of a current-to-voltage converter 50 detects the input pin current and converts it into a voltage, generating an output signal with rising and falling edges corresponding to the detected input signal edges.

Further referring to FIG. 2, and in further descriptive detail, the ATE channels 20 each include respective drivers 24 that respond to waveform formatting circuits (not shown) to generate digital test signals. The signals propagate along cables that serve as transmission lines 26 that are impedance matched at 50 ohms. Because of the high frequencies envisioned (ranging from one gigahertz to five gigahertz), basic RF transmission line theory is applicable.

The channels 20 terminate on the multiplexer input pins 32, which provide an interface to the multiplexer switching circuitry 40. The switching circuitry includes a plurality of semiconductor switches 42, such as diodes or transistors, to activate a selected channel. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, reverse-biased diodes are employed to sense the voltage levels applied to each channel. The activated channel is the one having the tester signal pulse, identified by Vt, applied to the channel. All the other channels having levels raised to a high voltage Vh. The diodes are disposed in parallel and are terminated on a common node 60 within the multiplexer. The node, in turn, connects to the local signal converter 50.

With continued reference to FIG. 2, the local signal converter 50 is, in a preferred form, a transresistance amplifier including a bipolar-junction-transistor (BJT) with a constant voltage Vb applied to the base, and having an emitter tied to the common node 60. An output path couples to the BJT collector to define the multiplexer output OUT. Source voltage Vcc and resistor R1 bias the current source. In this manner, the transresistance amplifier acts as a current controlled voltage source.

In operation, a user selects a particular channel 20 by programming the ATE 10 to drive all but the desired channel to the logical high voltage Vh. Within the multiplexer 30, the base-to-emitter voltage Vb-Ve from the local signal converter 50 sets the common node 60 to a constant voltage. In practice, the voltage Vb-Ve will be higher than the tester signal logic “one” (plus Vdiode), to activate the selected channel, but slightly lower than Vh to keep the rest of the diodes reversed-biased. At the activated input pin, the voltage will be Vb-Ve-Vdiode. This is a constant voltage.

At this point it should be noted that because the common node 60 and the activated input pin 32 are both set to constant voltages, both points act as RF short circuits, as is well known in the art. As a result, at the input pin, the input voltage signal shorts to an “AC” ground. However, the current flowing through the input pin changes its value, corresponding to the energy exchange between the incoming pulse and the virtual “AC” short behavior of the input pin. These current changes cause a corresponding increase in the voltage drop across R1, thereby generating a negative pulse with falling and rising edges at the output OUT, corresponding to the edges of the tester input signal.

Although the pulse edges at the output OUT are delayed somewhat from the original tester input signal, this delay is the same for any selected channel, thus it is easily correctable through calibration procedures. The real benefit is in having an output signal unexposed to any RC effects from within the multiplexer 30. As described above in detail, this is accomplished by keeping the common node 60 at a constant voltage, thus eliminating the effect of potential RC time constants from charging parasitic capacitances acting on the signal edges.

FIG. 3 illustrates comparative output waveforms from a conventional digital multiplexer at 70, and an output signal according to the present invention, at 80. Note that the waveform at 80 was first scaled to more easily illustrate the comparison. As shown in the graphs, by avoiding the parasitic RC's present on the common node 60, a rise-time improvement on the order of a factor of eight (171 picoseconds versus 1319 picoseconds) is realized.

FIG. 4 illustrates the present invention according to a second form, generally designated 100, which is more widely applicable to ATE and non-ATE applications alike. The construction includes a plurality of input pins 102 and switching circuitry 110 coupled to a local signal converter 120. The difference in the second embodiment from the first embodiment lies primarily in the switching circuitry, which doesn't rely on the ATE to assist in the channel selection. Rather, a plurality of selection input bits 112 are provided to digitally identify a selected channel. For each channel, the switching circuitry includes a reverse-biased diode 114 that couples to an input pin buffer 116. Selectively shunting the buffer and the diode is a semiconductor switch 118 which acts to place the diode-to-buffer node, at 119, at the supply voltage Vcc. Those skilled in the art will recognize that in order to shunt the buffer output, the buffer should be in a high-impedance output mode. Overall operation is similar to that described in the first embodiment.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate the many benefits and advantages afforded by the present invention. Of significant importance is the internal conversion of the detected edges of the input signal to produce the multiplexer output signal. This allows the output signal to avoid any parasitic effects that would be present on the common node 60. As a result, the signal timing accuracy is significantly improved.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to the preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, while two switching schemes were described for the respective embodiments, a variety of switching constructions could be employed in practicing the present invention. Those constructions are intended to be within the scope of the present invention. 

1. A method of selecting one from a plurality of input signals applied to a plurality of input pins, the input pins coupled through switching circuitry to a common node, the method comprising the steps: applying a constant voltage to the common node; activating one pin of the plurality of input pins corresponding to a selected one of the plurality of input signals; maintaining a reverse-bias condition at diodes corresponding to non-selected ones of the plurality of input signals; detecting current changes at the common node caused by the selected one of the plurality of input signals; and producing output voltage changes corresponding to the detected current changes, wherein the produced output voltage comprises falling and rising edges corresponding to delayed edges of the input signal.
 2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the step of activating comprises: driving each non-selected one of the plurality of input signals to a voltage higher than the common voltage; and driving the selected one of the plurality of input signals to a voltage lower than the common voltage.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of input signals comprise a plurality of digital signals.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the digital signals are high-speed digital signals.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein activating the one pin of the plurality of input pins comprises applying a signal pulse to the one pin of the plurality of input pins.
 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising driving the selected one of the plurality of input signals to a voltage higher than a tester signal logic “one” and lower than the logical “high” voltage, Vh.
 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving at each one of the plurality of input pins, an input signal from a respective channel.
 8. A method of selecting one from a plurality of input signals applied to a plurality of input pins, the input pins coupled through switching circuitry to a common node, the method comprising the steps: applying a constant voltage to the common node; activating one pin of the plurality of input pins corresponding to a selected one of the plurality of input signals; maintaining a reverse-bias condition at diodes corresponding to non-selected ones of the plurality of input signals; detecting current changes at the common node caused by the selected one of the plurality of input signals; producing output voltage changes corresponding to the detected current changes; receiving at each one of the plurality of input pins, an input signal from a respective channel; and impedance matching each one of the plurality of input pins to the respective channel.
 9. The method of claim 8, where in the impedance is matched to 50 Ohms.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the selected one of the plurality of input signal is shorted to an “AC” ground.
 11. The method of claim 1, further comprising calibrating to correct for the delay.
 12. A method of selecting one from a plurality of input signals applied to a plurality of input pins, the input pins coupled through switching circuitry to a common node, the method comprising the steps: applying a constant voltage to the common node; activating one pin of the plurality of input pins corresponding to a selected one of the plurality of input signals; maintaining a reverse-bias condition at diodes corresponding to non-selected ones of the plurality of input signals; detecting current changes at the common node caused by the selected one of the plurality of input signals; and producing output voltage changes corresponding to the detected current changes, wherein producing output voltage changes corresponding to the detected current changes is accomplished using a current-controlled voltage source.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the current-controlled voltage source comprises a transresistance amplifier.
 14. The method of claim 1, wherein maintaining a reverse-bias condition at diodes corresponding to non-selected ones of the plurality of input signals comprises applying a logical “high” voltage, Vh, to a cathode terminal of each of the diodes.
 15. A high-speed digital multiplexer comprising: a plurality of input pins; switching circuitry; a common node coupled to the input pins through the switching circuitry; means for applying a constant voltage to the common node; means for activating one pin of the plurality of input pins corresponding to a selected one of the plurality of input signals; means for maintaining a reverse-bias condition at diodes corresponding to non-selected ones of the plurality of input signals and for maintaining a forward-bias condition at a diode corresponding to the selected one of the plurality of input signals; means for detecting current changes at the common node caused by the selected one of the plurality of input signals; and means for producing output voltage changes corresponding to the detected current changes. 